What is 3D Printing?
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing is the process of taking data from a 3D model file and creating a 3D solid object. The concept is similar to a 2D printer but instead of printing on paper, 3D printers print objects three dimensionally. A 3D printer reads the digital 3D model information and then prints a three-dimensional object up layer by layer as plastic is extruded from a nozzle like a hot glue gun. The printed layers adhere to each other, forming a solid object. When the 3D printer has finished, there is a tangible 3D object that looks like the initial 3D model file.
What Do 3D Printers Look Like?
3D printers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Tall, open designs can be seen with delta printers and rectangular, boxed shapes are common with cartesian printers. Read more about the most common styles of printers here.
A New Frontier for Manufacturing
No more waiting. With 3D printing you can design, print, test, and improve – all in one place. The time between the conception of an idea to a customized product has never been shorter. The cost has never been less. Testing prototypes has never been easier. Inventors, artists, hobbyists, and anybody who needs an obscure part – for all types of projects – can now have access to manufacturing superpowers. If you want your project to be efficient, effective, and the best it can be, the future is only limited by your creativity.
Design Anywhere. Print Anywhere!
No longer do you need to pay top dollar for a small batch of prototypes to be made and shipped from the other side of the world. 3D printing gives you freedom from the supply chain. Manufacture locally. Manufacture yourself! No waiting for shipments, customs clearance or contractors. Instead of sending a prototype to an associate, you can send an email and have them print their own prototype. No postage required. Less waste, more efficiency, less expense and a healthier planet. If you don’t own your own 3D printer, you can use a 3D printing service to get your prototypes made.
What Can I Make?
From parts of engines for aerospace R&D, to replacement organs for the human body – 3D printing is changing the world. Do you like to make intricate jewelry? Would you understand chemistry better with a model of a complex carbon atom in your hands? How about a physical model to accompany your next business presentation? You could even plan your next home renovation by printing a model from a 3D drawing. Now that’s visualization!
3D Printing Advantages:
1) Quicker turnaround times compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
2) Ability to create complex, functional parts.
3) Lower cost than traditional machining.
4) Material choice: A wide variety of materials are available.
Interested? Take advantage of the many benefits that 3D printing has to offer. Get started with Altair, our delta printer.